Sam's Army

Euros recap of an incredible R16, power ranking [[53:30]] the final eight teams plus preview of this week's quarterfinals f/t debate on whether that was a red card in Sweden/Ukraine plus a strong difference of opinion on the winner of Belgium vs Italy. Pros/cons of nixing "away goals" rule [[107:35]]. Best Bets (can Sam stay hot?) and of course GOAWs. Next up, Giuseppe Barone [[119:50]] stops by to discuss jumping from NY Cosmos to Perugia in Serie B, tearing up his knee and getting relegated while tanks roamed the streets of Italy enforcing a COVID-19 lockdown, and what winning promotion to Serie A was like with Salernitana. We discuss his experiences with Italian Ultras, how fans reacted to relegation and promotion, the experience of playing against Mario Balotelli and Kevin-Prince Boateng, and what the future holds.

Sam and the Tweedles run through the big storylines from the Euros group stage, power rank the top/bottom 3s of the remaining teams and breakdown all of the R16 matchups, with money-back (from Big Cat) predictions for each. Also: Copa America update and thoughts on USWNT Olympic roster... plus Best Bets and -- of course -- GOAWs.

Sam, Larry and Mitch are joined by Houston Dynamo's Tim Parker and Colorado Rapids' Keegan Rosenberry to break down of the first round of games at the EUROs, featuring scary situation with Christian Eriksen plus best goals and power rankings. Also, Copa America updates and thoughts on USWNT's "Summer Series". Next, Sebastian Lletget [[1:04:00]] joins to discuss the pluses/minuses of signing with West Ham as a kid and if playing abroad again is in his plans, how the LA Galaxy (and Chicharito) have turned it around this year, his relationship with Greg Berhalter and thoughts on the anti-MLS hate from some USMNT fans, discussion in the locker room before and after the massive #tresados win over Mexico and the time Zlatan tried to steal his girl.

Rapid reactions to this weekend's wild USMNT vs Mexico game and what the win means moving forward. Previews of Euro 2020 [48:00] featuring breakdown of the six groups plus a look at what promises to be an extra haphazard Copa America [01:18:00], with both tournaments kicking off this week. Next up Daniel Bachmann [01:24:40] discusses Watford's promotion-winning season, emerging as GK1, the insane pressure he felt coming down the stretch and parties that ensued when the 'Orns clinched, what it felt like to earn his first cap for Austria in England and an inside look at the Euros.

Sam and Tommy are joined by singer-songwriter Noah Kahan who makes great folk-pop music (is platinum good?) and is a huge Chelsea fan. We discuss the Champions League final, Rudiger's orange card and whether City shat the bed and what Pep would be like to smoke weed with. End-of-season Premier League awards ft Best XI plus player/manager of the year. Early shocks in the transfer market including Everton coaches continuing to fail upwards. What the USMNT's loss to Switzerland means and thoughts on this week's Nations League games. MLS power rankings plus jersey complaints. Copa America, Euro 2020 notes and (fan favorite) GOAWs! Finally, Sam sits down [1:01:50] with Lara Dickenmann and Pauline Bremer of VfL Wolfsburg to discuss the growth of the women's game in Europe, some of the German club's outreach efforts, how many Champions Leagues they have won [hint: a lot], the secret to leapfrogging Bayern on the final matchday this coming weekend and if/when the USMNT will follow in the USWNT's footsteps as #b2bwcw.

The gang is back together again! Headlines: FIFA contemplates playing World Cups every two year; US Soccer & SUM divorcing and USMNT/USWNT roster reactions. Recap of final weekend in Europe [17:00] ft Bale saving Chelsea's bacon and Sam's sanity; La Liga wilding out; plus Ligue 1 and Serie A; and some thoughts on MLS. Champions League final preview [39:30]. Best Bets [47:30] and GOAWs. Eryk Williamson [57:50] discusses his road from DC to Portland Timbers via a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean; his resting bitch face; whether granola/microbrews/anarchy are growing on him; life as the third Chara; playing the 8 versus the 6; thoughts on moving overseas; which teammate has a burner twitter account; blowing up on TikTok; his descent into sneaker addiction and word association featuring Steve Clark and USMNT U23 coach Jason Kreis.

Tweedles Dee (Mitch), Dum (Tommy) and Dummer (Mikey) join Tweedle Dummest (Sam) to discuss whether Harry Kane is leaving Tottenham and if so where he's headed; Columbus Crew's ill-fated rebrand; MLS salary dump revelations [15:30] and some unfortunate injury news [22:00]. What is left to watch this last week in the Premier League [26:00], La Liga's wild title race [38:30] and the rest of Europe. What we learned about MLS [53:40] this week and top 3 power ranking. Next up is Best Bets [105:45] and GOAWs. Finally, Forrest Lasso and Evan Louro {1:16:00] stop by to discuss their paths to Tampa Bay, the added importance of this weekend's (would-be) USL Championship final rematch vs Phoenix Rising and a shockingly useful crash course on crypto shitcoins.

You know it's gonna be a good time when Sam's Army HOFer Dax McCarty rolls through. This week we discuss Serie A expelling Juventus and thoughts from Dax (a United fan) on the Glazers & #GlazerOut. Premier League rundown [14:15]: City/Chelsea lessons & Kun's atrocious penalty, United's HUGE week, is Kane leaving Tottenham & Top 4 picks. Rapid breakdowns of Spain [29:05], France, Italy, Germany and Championship playoff. Dax's insider thoughts on the MLS results [44:50] as well as who has impressed him most plus top 3 power rankings. Next, Sam chats with Tristan Blackmon and Danny Musovski of LAFC [59:30] about their twin lives, Andre Agassi, Phoenix Rising $1 beer nights and Didier Drogba, what it takes to get Bob Bradley to laugh, El Trafico and what happens when an LAFC player takes his car to a Galaxy-loving mechanic (hint: not good things).

The ins and outs of the unrest at Manchester United, pluses and minuses of Jozay Mourinho taking over at Roma [14:55] and a ridiculously early debate on Ballon d'Or frontrunners [21:00]. What is left to play for and which games are worth watching in each league, including the Premier League [27:00] f/t Power Rankings, La Liga [36:20], Ligue 1, Bundesliga [41:00], Serie A and MLS f/t Top 3 [47:00]. Previews and/or predictions for this week's Champions [53:00], Europa and Concacaf Champions Leagues [1:01:30]. Fantastic finish f/t GOAWs [1:05:00] and Best Bets. Finally, Hugh Roberts of the Charlotte Independence [1:12:25] swings by to discuss Backyard Footy, his work with the USL Black Players Alliance, Hugh's modeling career, whether/when Sam can get his hands on a "United Against Racism" jersey and an inside look at the 2021 USL Championship season.

The band is back together! We get off to a hot start with Larry outing himself as a card shark and Sam almost saying the F word. Next up is headlines with Bayern buying Julian Nagelsmann and various implications thereof, USMNT trophy haul and thoughts on Spotify guy trying to "save" Arsenal from Kroenke. Weekly recap [12:15] ft Make-Belieague League Cup congratulations and Chelsea/Hammies, some Kelly Nacho love [25:10], La Liga is lit, the best 3 teams in MLS and why Real Madrid/Chelsea in a Champions League semifinal killed a little of Sam's soul. Power Rankings [34:00]. Weekend preview [38:30] ft United/Liverpool and Everton/Villa (et al) plus things to watch in France, Italy and Spain plus big games in MLS. Finally the big finish with G.O.A.W.s [50:00] and Best Bets.